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In speech honoring National Women’s Health Week, McAuliffe outlines bold steps in support of reproductive rights

Richmond, VA -- This morning, Governor Terry McAuliffe kicked off National Women’s Health Week by outlining a three-step plan to increase access to critical women’s health services across the Commonwealth. In addition to announcing appointments to the Virginia Board of Health and approval of Virginia Planned Parenthood affiliates for participation in a cost-reduced medication program, Governor McAuliffe ordered the Board of Health to initiate a review of burdensome, medically-unnecessary regulations on women’s health centers.

Tarina Keene, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and co-chair of the Virginia Coalition to Protect Women’s Health, said the Governor’s announcement made her "proud and thankful”:

"I am absolutely thrilled to see Governor McAuliffe take this bold and critical stand for the women and families of Virginia. These burdensome regulations on women’s health centers were designed to shutter the vast majority of the Commonwealth’s abortion providers – and were enacted over a two-year saga of intimidation, pressure, and bullying by former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. It is past time that these regulations are subject to the objective and evidence-based review they deserve.

For too long we have seen Virginia women targeted with extreme and ideological attacks – and women’s health used as a pawn in political games. Today, I am proud and thankful to stand with a Governor that recognizes the critical importance of women’s health, and I can assure you that NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia will continue to stand with him in this critical work.”

NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia founded and led the Virginia Coalition to Protect Women’s Health, a state-based coalition of women’s health providers and advocacy organizations that led the multi-year fight to mitigate ideologically-driven clinic regulations.